Nova

This was probably the second novel by Samuel R. Delany that I read (I had encountered several of his shorter works in various Nebula Award collections) after Dhalgren. This remains, along with some shorter works in the same vein (Babel-17, Empire Star, The Star Pit) my favorite book by Delany. A mixture of the Grail Quest myths, Tarot, Moby Dick, space opera, heck, even grand opera! A strugggle between old cultures and new. The archtypical Delany character in the Mouse. Grand planets and settings worthy of Jack Vance. Interstellar action worthy of "Doc" Smith. Again, my favorite by Delany. I'll visit it many more times, I'm sure.